Overwatch 2: A Guide to Hanzo

Hanzo is first of all a damage character, or a DPS. Hanzo is a mid-range sniper with an insanely high skill-ceiling that allows him to excel close-range and long-range. His primary role is getting sneaky and game-winning picks from afar on high priority targets to capitalize on a win. He can also shred tanks and scout out enemies, he does it all. If you want to look your best when sniping every foe on your screen, be sure to check out our Hanzo skin review.

To start of this guide, we will go through his abilities.

Hanzo's Weapons and Abilities

Ability 1: Storm Bow 

Hanzo dons a bow as his weapon, unlike any other hero in the roster. It is a projectile weapon, meaning his arrows will arc downwards after reaching their apex.

Hanzo has a standard critical hit multiplier (2x), meaning a fully charged headshot will deal 250 damage, enough to one shot all squishy targets.

Ability 2: Sonic Arrow 

The Shimada archer will transform his next shot arrow into a sonar tracking arrow, spotting enemies through walls in the sonar's radius. This ability will also replace a storm arrow (his next ability), if pressed. A sonic arrow will keep the original arrow's damage, only giving the benefit of the tracking device.

Ability 3: Storm Arrows

When using this ability, Hanzo will charge his bow and increase his next 5 arrows' rate of fire and charge rate, shooting out 5 fully charged arrows in quick succession, albeit with less damage. 

Whilst doing around half the normal arrows from Hanzo's storm bow, these empowered arrows will allow you to dish out 5 fully charged arrows in about a second. These can also crit, dealing 130 damage with a headshot.

Ability 4: Dragonstrike

Hanzo's ultimate sends forth a raging Spirit Dragon, travelling through all obstacles and dealing damage to any enemy in its radius.

Passive Ability 1: Wall Climb

Like his brother and now Kiriko with Overwatch 2, Hanzo can climb walls.

Passive Ability 2: Lunge

Essentially a double jump, Hanzo can shift his direction whilst mid-air by pressing his jump key again.

Hanzo's Playstyle

• As a sniper but also a heavy damage carry, Hanzo can adopt two different playstyles, and mix and match said playstyles mid-game. He can look to position on high-ground to have a better view of his prey, flanking the enemies to avoid a beefy shield in the face. You can enable this by using his Lunge and Wall Climb, taking advantage of positions not many other characters can reach.

• Hanzo can also play behind the team, looking to add damage to the tank in the frontline, by shredding the enemy tank with his Storm Arrows. 

• His primary goal is to get picks (kills) and enable an advantageous 5 versus 4 teamfight. His fully charged Storm Bow can kill any squishy enemy DPS or support with a critical hit, so be sure to aim for headshots.

• Overwatch 2's one and only archer will enable your team to collapse on unsuspecting foes by utilizing his Sonic Arrow. He wants to use this ability to find enemy flankers or badly positioned enemies.
• Looking to counter Hanzo? Our guide here has all you need to know.

How do I unlock Hanzo?

As of Overwatch 2, new players will have to go through Blizzard's First Time User Experience (FTUE) in order to unlock heroes. If you're itching to play Hanzo however, do not fret, as he only requires you to complete 9 matches. These games can be played in any mode, with the exception of the community's Custom games.

Hanzo's Tips and Tricks

When you finally have Hanzo and are ready to test him out in combat, be sure to read these tips and tricks to better understand the Shimada clan's marksman.

• Train yourself with Hanzo's Storm Bow in the Practice Range. Hitting headshots is Hanzo 101, and knowing how the arrows arc at every range is key to downing foes at any distance.
• You can use Lunge after a Wall Climb, combo these two movement abilities to escape close-up enemies.
• Furthermore with Wall Climb, it will not cancel your arrow charge. If you see an enemy on high ground, you can charge your Storm Bow and then climb up towards them, catching them off-guard and instantly eliminating them with your fully charged arrow.
• You don't have to shoot all Storm Arrows instantly. Pace your Storm Arrows if the enemy is dodging the first ones, or is under cover. 
• Finally, combo your ultimate with crowd control ultimates. Characters that can group or stun several enemies at a time with their ultimate, like Zarya and Reinhardt, will allow your Dragonstrike to deal maximum damage to helpless enemies.
  
• Use your Sonic Arrow on cooldown, the scouting opportunities are incredibly valuable for your team and for your next arrows.
  

Hanzo's Lore

Hanzo Shimada, brother of Genji Shimada, was bound to rule the Shimada clan, a group of assassins that held a firm grip on Hanamura. He was a true prodigy in strategy and leadership, as well as swordsmanship, qualities the Shimada clan cherished and strived for in a leader. He and his brother Genji would train alongside Kiriko and learn their various abilities together. Hanzo, as he was the eldest son of Sojiro Shimada, the family head, would also learn skills necessary to succeed his father in case of his parting.

After Hanzo's father eventually passed away, Hanzo needed to step up and take control. The Shimada clan elders' also shared this sentiment, and instructed him to bring back the rebellious Genji, so that they may rule together. Genji refused, sparking a fight between the two brothers that would end in an attempt at Genji's life. Hanzo believed he had killed his brother. This act caused Hanzo to rethink his life choices, and he ended up by also rejecting his family's clan. Hanzo threw away his masterful sword skills, never to use a sword again, and took up the bow instead.

Hanzo was now considered an enemy of the Shimada clan, even being hunted by their assassins. He wanders the world, training his skills and trying to restore his honor after slaying his kin. Whilst he does meet Genji later in life, Hanzo's brother only having survived thanks to Overwatch, he still seeks to redeem himself.